Whole School Newsletter - 10-01-2025

Friday 10^th January 2025

Dear Parents and Carers

Happy New Year – I hope everyone had a great Christmas break.

I would like to thank all our parents and carers for their support with the difficult situation we experienced on Tuesday.  As you will be aware a former key stage three pupil came onto the school site and we instigated our emergency procedures to ensure the safety of pupils. The pupil was removed from site.

I am aware there has been a lot of press and social media coverage of this incident and I would urge everyone not to discuss this on social media and allow the formal process to take place without prejudice.

I am extremely proud of our students who followed our lock-down procedure, which is something we regularly practice to ensure, in the event we need to activate, we can do so in a calm and timely manner.

I would like to reassure all parents and carers that we take the security of the school very seriously and have a number of measures in place. We are undertaking a formal review of the site in collaboration with both the Local Authority and the Police to see if there are additional measures we could implement.

School Uniform

It is vital that every student is in school uniform and with a coat and school bag.

We have worked hard to ensure our uniform is affordable and easy to get hold of. It consists of plain black shoes/trainers, black socks, white shirt and the school tie. Skirts must be of appropriate length and trousers or shorts should be tailored fit. Students are not allowed to wear sports shorts, tracksuit bottoms or leggings to school. 

Cardigans, jumpers and blazers are optional but students may choose to wear a plain black knitted V neck jumper or cardigan without the logo, or purchase the Newport High branded jumper, sweatshirt or cardigan.

All students should have a school bag with them. If they choose to bring a mobile phone to school, it must be switched off and kept in their bag for the duration of the school day.

We will pick up any students not in correct uniform on an individual basis and work with you to ensure they are in the correct uniform.

We have a range of ‘pre-loved’ school uniform at school which is available for anyone who would like to access it.

Jewellery is limited to one pair of small stud earrings and one ring. Students are allowed to wear a nose stud but please note that this has to be a stud and not a sleeper or any other style. Any headwear, worn for religious reasons, should be of a plain black material. Extreme hairstyles are not acceptable and hair should be of a natural colour.

If you have any problems getting hold of school unform please let your child’s Form Tutor know in the first instance or email info@newporthigh.co.uk with “Uniform” in the title.

Free School Meals

We are aware that many of our families may be entitled to Free School Meals but are not claiming this additional financial support. You can check if you are entitled to Free School Meals at www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

If you are not in receipt of Free School Meals but think you are eligible and would like any help in accessing, please let us know so we can support.

Families who are eligible for Free School Meals can also apply for additional help with other school costs including school uniform. You can find out more at https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/school-meals/free-school-meals

Proposal to amalgamate Millbrook and Monnow Primary Schools

A formal consultation has been launched by Newport City Council on a proposal to amalgamate Millbrook Primary School and Monnow Primary School into a single three-form entry school with effect from September 2026.

The consultation period commenced on 8^th January 2025 and ends at midnight on 19^th February 2025. The consultation pack is published on the Council’s webpages at https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/proposals-and-consultations

Hard copies of the consultation document are available on request by emailing school.reorg@newport.gov.uk or by telephoning 01633 656656.

I would encourage as many parents and carers as possible to engage with this consultation.

Social Media

Please can I urge all parents who have an issue or concern about school to contact us directly to discuss. This will give us the opportunity to try to resolve the issue.

If you have any concerns, please email us on: info@newporthigh.co.uk

Inset days and Term dates – 2024/2025

The remaining INSET days (when school is closed to students for staff training) for this year are as follows:

• Friday 7^th March 2025
• Friday 27^th June 2025
• Monday 30^th June 2025
• Monday 21^st July 2025

With kind regards

Mrs Lee